FAQs

We know it can be hard to know if counselling is the right option for you. It's likely that if you're reading this information you feel counselling may be an option, but you may not be sure whether LCC is the right option. Whether you are an individual, couple or family who are looking for help, our talented team are here to support you. At LCC we offer therapy in an open, non-judgemental manner making it easy for you to talk about any problems, or issues, that your may be experiencing freely without concern. We only select suitably qualified, experienced and talented counsellors and psychotherapists to work with us, all of whom work to the highest professional standards. At LCC you can be sure that you are getting the best possible help.

Below we have answered some of the key questions we are asked from people with concerns about counselling. If you would like to speak with a member of our team who will be able to answer any questions or concerns, without committing you to using our services, please do Get in Touch>>

How long is a counselling session?

Just under an hour - 50 minutes.

What times are your counsellors available?

Sessions are available from 08.30 - 21.00 from Monday to Friday and 09.00 - 18.00 on Saturday.

Within the full cost service there maybe availability outside these hours. Please Get in Touch for more information>>

I have an embarrassing problem, how do I know it will remain confidential?

The therapist will normally not tell anyone outside their practice about you and your problems. However, there are some circumstances where confidentiality will be broken, and your therapist will make you aware of this in your agreement with LCC.

For example, it is a condition of practice in counselling that therapists have a supervisor who help and support them in their work with their clients. Your therapist may talk about their work with you to their supervisors for this reason. Your details are always kept anonymous in these discussions, so you can never be identified.

Your therapist will probably make some brief notes about your sessions to help them to remember what you have talked about. Such records will also be kept confidential, for example in a locked filing cabinet, which only your therapist will have access to. Under the Data Protection Act you also have the right to see any records kept concerning you.

Confidentiality has to be broken when there is good reason to think that someone might harm themselves or somebody else, but wherever possible this will be discussed with the client first. There are a limited number of circumstances where the law requires confidentiality to be broken, in cases involving terrorist activities, drug trafficking, child protection or money laundering, for example. Sometimes court cases or complaints can also mean that confidentiality is compromised.

Do you work with couples and families?

Yes we do, in fact we are one of the only counselling services that has a specialist service in this area. Find out more about Relationship and Family Therapies>>

How long does counselling go on for?

Counselling is normally weekly, and can last for anything between one session and one year or more depending on the issues and model of therapy. Get in Touch for more information>>

What sort of problems can you help with?

We have therapists who cover every area of psychological concerns. Please Get in Touch for more information>>

Can I use my private insurance?

Yes you can, if you have a policy that covers therapy.

How can I be sure your therapists are properly qualified?

We only take on counsellors to work with us who are accredited, or on the accreditation pathway, of a major counselling professional body. Additionally, we monitor their indemnity insurance, CRB and professional membership annually.

Will therapy help me?

Some people go to therapy hoping that the therapist will fix all their problems, but it is really only you (and your partner if you are going as a couple) who can make changes in your life. The therapist can help you think about what you want, and how you might go about getting it, but they can’t do it for you.

Therapy works best for people who are really committed to it. Try to make time for therapy, and also make time between sessions to think about what you have discussed or to try out ideas. It helps if you are open-minded and ready to think about different possibilities.

What can I expect at the first session?

The first session is often known as the assessment session. In the assessment session the therapist will ask you to explain why you have come to therapy, and talk about the problems you are having.

You should use the assessment session to find out anything you want to know about how this therapist practises and what to expect from their service The therapists should tell you about the contract they work to, and will give you a copy and ask you to sign it. This will outline the boundaries for therapy. They should also tell you about the Code of Ethics they adhere to. The end of the assessment session is a good time to think about whether you and this therapist are likely to work well together. Please note that in the low cost service the assessors assess you for suitability to enter the service, and then will refer you to a suitable student therapist who will undertake your ongoing therapy.

How much does it cost?

Low cost services are run by senior trainee counsellors and honorary counsellors who are working towards accreditation. The assessment session to enter this service is £35.00 payable in advance. The cost of sessions after your assessment is based on your household income and start from £15.00. More information on cost can be found here>>

Full cost sessions are £55.00 per session for individuals and £65.00 for couples. Each therapist is self-employed and as such will discuss the terms and conditions under which they offer therapy with you individually.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

We take any feedback and/or complaints very seriously. Any comments can be sent confidentially to hello@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk or by calling our Practice Manager on 01462 674671